Overview

Whether you install audio systems in commercial facilities or in homes, the SF-16M has the features and capabilities to handle just about any application you may encounter. (View introductory videos.) Its flexibility and musical power give end users so much more than traditional audio systems, while giving installers a streamlined installation process. The SonaFlex SF-16M is a unique blend of premium, two-channel amplification, matrix distribution, flexible input options, signal processing and open control capability. Designed and assembled in the U.S. with the custom installer in mind, the SF-16M brings a new approach to common residential and commercial distributed audio applications - one multi-purpose matrix amplifier that can be used in a variety of installations. Commercial Solutions Restaurants, sports bars, hotels, conference rooms and worship facilities are all great installation opportunities for the SF-16M. Using FlexPort inputs, override triggers and sound scenes, the SF‑16M is great solution for facility-wide paging, conference room combining/segmenting, live audio override for restaurants, nightclubs and more. See more application examples.		Key Benefits for the End User Local Source Selection Popular consumer audio sources such as iPods, AppleTVs and BluRay players can be located near the listener and connected via Cat 5 to the FlexPort audio inputs. With the push of a button, the user switches to the local audio source and then switches back to the default audio at will. This feature is also ideal for restaurants and clubs with live music where a user needs to override background music with audio from a mixer. Sound Scenes A Sound Scene is a system-wide snap-shot of all volume and source settings. Scenes allow the end-user to easily recall previously captured system settings. It is a perfect way to set the mood for parties, restaurant ambience and other commonly used system settings that need to be recalled with a single button press. Up to 10 Sound Scenes can be stored and recalled per SF-16M. For installations with multiple SF-16M’s linked together, additional system-wide Sound Scenes can be stored and recalled across all units. Output Grouping Allows multiple outputs to be grouped together to share volume ramping, muting, source selection and more. Groups are ideal for making large areas a single audio zone or for grouping outputs with hi-pass and low-pass filters (sub/sat combinations) so that they respond together as one zone. Up to 10 groups can be stored per SF-16M.
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Videos

Features

• Input switching, signal processing, and amplification in one unified system
• 16 analog RCA inputs combined with four Cat 5 “FlexPort” input channels allow for a total 20 mono/10 stereo matrixed inputs
• Optional Cat 5e/6 FlexPort modules accept balanced line/mic, XLR, digital coax/optical and analog RCA audio sources
• 16 amplified outputs can be configured as mono, stereo, or a combination of stereo and mono
• Up to four SF-16M units can be linked together to form a powerful 16 input x 64 output audio matrix, plus FlexPort inputs
• Class-D amplification provides a conservatively rated 45 watts per channel (all channels driven) or 60 watts (8 channels driven)
• Linear power supply delivers the warmth and musicality of an analog amplifier, combined with the responsiveness and headroom required for dynamic music content
• Signal processing tools include hi- and low-shelf filters (Bass/Treble), hi- and low-pass filters, and up to seven bands of parametric equalization per output
• 10 audio overrides (triggered by contact closure, IR, and RS-232, commands) provide a convenient method to switch to alternate audio inputs for appplications such as paging, local source selection, and room combining
• 10 preset sound scenes (a system-wide snap-shot of all volume and source settings) can be saved and recalled using IR, RS-232 or IP commands
• 10 audio groups allow multiple outputs to be grouped to share volume ramping, muting, and source selection
• Compatible with virtually any control system available using RS-232, Ethernet or IR commands - NEW Control4 Driver for SF-16M  (110.55 KiB)
• Easy setup using the free PC utility (details)

FlexPort Transmitters

• FPM-U aaccepts two RCA inputs, either one stereo or two mono sources
• FPM-D accepts one digital audio source, converting it to analog for transmission to the SF-16M via Cat 5, plus simlutaneous output on RCA jacks
• FPM-X accepts mic or line audio, via XLR or 1/4 inch jack, from microphone or mixer outputs
• FPM-B accepts balanced audio from mixers, microphones, or balanced audio sources includes override connection for push to talk microphones

Control Interfaces Ethernet RS-232 Serial Front panel IR sensor Rear panel IR input (3.5 mm jack) Front panel capacitive touch buttons and knob with LCD screen

The SF-16M PC Configuration Utility is an easy way to set up source and output names, audio settings, groups, sound scenes, override actions, and all other features of the SF-16M.

Flexible Input Options
Most pro and consumer audio sources can be used with the SF-16M via its unique FlexPort™ audio inputs. Up to four FlexPort audio modules can be connected, via Cat-5, to each SF-16M. Module options include balanced line/mic, XLR, digital coax/optical, and analog RCA inputs, accommodating anything from pro audio mixers to Apple TV media players. FlexPort modules include an illuminated button that may be used to trigger audio override at all pre-selected SF-16M outputs.

Scalable Outputs
Any amplified output of the SF-16M can be assigned as mono or stereo, allowing for 16 mono, 8 stereo, or a mixture of both mono and stereo speaker locations per chassis. The SF-16M can split mono inputs to stereo outputs and combine stereo inputs to mono outputs. Up to four SF-16M units can be linked together to form a powerful 64 output system, with shared source signals and optionally shared FlexPort signals.

Pure, Stable and Reliable Power
Using Class-D digital amplification, the SF-16M produces a conservatively rated 45 watts per channel (all channels driven) or 60 watts (8 channels driven) at 8 Ohms and is stable to 4 Ohms. The SF-16M is so rock-solid that even a dead short to the outputs won’t negatively affect the unit. The SF-16M shuts off the amplifier stage until the short is corrected and then comes back on without a power cycle.

Innovative Linear Power Supply
Quite possibly the most impressive benefit of the SF-16M is its dynamic audio quality. Competing Class-D products use switching power supplies, which are efficient, but have a serious flaw: they can’t manage large transient peaks, resulting in audio distortion. The SF-16M hybrid linear supply has the headroom to respond to musical dynamics with extra power, because its analog design allows its floating voltage rail to accommodate quick transient peaks in the music, instead of clipping, like the switching supply does.

Quality Front-End Components
The SF-16M features 24-Bit, 96-kHz Burr-Brown A/D conversion with 64-times oversampling, resulting in natural, acurate sound reproduction of the input source material.

Signal Processing Tools
The SF-16M provides a rich palette of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) tools that allow the installer to custom-tune every sonic environment. For basic installations, use DSP such as bass, treble, balance and loudness. For more advanced home or commercial applications, use hi/low pass filters and up to 7-bands of parametric equalization per output. View an introductory video.

Pass-Thru Mode
When you need a great sounding amp to use with an existing audio matrix, the SF-16M excels, providing 16 RCA inputs and DB-25 source audio loop outputs for system expansion. In addition, the SF-16M’s DB-25 input allows for quick connection to Audio Authority audio matrix switchers such as HLX and ADX. The built-in FlexPort audio inputs can still be used in pass-thru mode to override any on-board RCA audio input, allowing for features such as local source selection, paging override, doorbell override, and room combining.

Open Control Architecture
The SF-16M is compatible with virtually any control system available today using RS-232, Ethernet or IR commands. 2-way drivers for many of the top control systems are available for download from our website. In addition, iPad control of the SF‑16M is available by downloading control templates based on the Command Fusion control platform.*

Easy Setup
Advanced setup tasks (input/output naming, group assignments, sound scene setup) are easy to perform using the SF-16M PC Utility  (1.42 MiB) . The beta version is now available. The SF-16M’s front panel VFD display allows for access to basic settings required in a typical install (see an introductory video). For added security, the front panel can be locked out, preventing tampering of system settings.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use mono and stereo sources in the same system?
A: Yes. Source signals can be split or combined for any output or combination of outputs. For instance, a stereo source can be combined into a mono signal and routed to multiple speaker outputs, and a mono source can be played on both speakers of a stereo output.

Q: Can I use a serial or telnet command to override a FlexPort input?
A: Yes, but make sure the FlexPort module's override type is set to "TOGGLE." If it is set to "MOMENTARY" the override will be instantly shut off by the FlexPort module.

Q: Can I use FlexPort inputs from one SF-16M on a second SF-16M?
A: Yes, FlexPort inputs in an expanded SonaFlex system may either be used separately, or across SF-16M chassis. The FlexPort output bus jacks must be manually linked to connect from one chassis to the next, so multiple configurations are possible.

Q: Why doesn't the SF-16M include a remote control?
A: The SF-16M is a professional grade matrix amplifier, designed for integrated systems that use comprehensive control system such as Control 4, RTI, Crestron, or URC. If you are not comfortable with this level of programming, check the CEDIA website for a custom integrator in your area.

Q: Could I use the SF-16M PC configuration utility as my main control interface?
A: The PC utility is not designed as a day-to-day control interface. Use a comprehensive control system such as Control 4, RTI, Crestron, or URC with the SF-16M serial commands for daily operation.

Accessories

			FlexPort Modules are one of the features that make the SF-16M unique. They allow a variety of sources to become inputs for the SF-16M via a single Cat 5 cable, up to 500 feet away. Four models are in development; the FPM-X and FPM-B will be the first available, useful for pro-audio sources like microphones and mixers. FPM-X, pictured here, accepts mic or line audio, via XLR or 1/4 inch jack, from microphone or mixer balanced audio outputs. FlexPort Modules are designed to be mounted in standard Decora style work boxes, or on a wall, under a counter, or onto any flat surface.